Practice Areas

Wire and Mail Fraud

Wire and mail fraud are among the most commonly charged federal offenses. These cases often involve routine business communications that the government later characterizes as part of a fraud scheme.
We represent individuals and businesses facing investigations and charges based on emails, phone calls, mailings, contracts, or financial transactions.

Common Statutes Involved

Wire Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1343

Allegations involving emails, text messages, phone calls, or electronic transfers.

Mail Fraud — 18 U.S.C. § 1341

Allegations involving letters, checks, invoices, or mailed documents.

Conspiracy — 18 U.S.C. § 371

Often added to broaden liability and increase exposure.

What the government must prove:

How these cases typically arise:

Potential Penalties

Wire and mail fraud charges carry serious criminal and financial consequences.

Criminal penalties may include:

Imprisonment

Up to 20 years per count (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343)
Up to 30 years per count if a financial institution is involved

Fines

Significant per-count fines under 18 U.S.C. § 3571

Forfeiture

Seizure of assets alleged to be connected to the offense (18 U.S.C. §§ 981, 982)

Understanding exposure early matters. Strategic defense at the investigation and charging stage can significantly affect both sentencing risk and long-term consequences.

Wire & Mail Fraud as RICO Predicate Offenses

Wire and mail fraud are among the most common predicate acts used to support RICO charges. Prosecutors often rely on routine communications, emails, invoices, payments, or phone calls to allege a broader criminal “enterprise.”

RICO Statute — 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1964

RICO allows the government to treat multiple wire or mail fraud counts as part of an alleged ongoing enterprise or pattern of activity.

Predicate Acts — 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1)

Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) and mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) are expressly listed as qualifying predicate offenses.

Pattern Allegations — 18 U.S.C. § 1961(5)

The government must allege at least two predicate acts, often by pointing to multiple communications over time.

Expanded Liability

RICO can extend responsibility beyond individual conduct to the acts of others within the alleged enterprise.

Increased Exposure

RICO charges significantly raise sentencing risk, trigger mandatory forfeiture (18 U.S.C. § 1963), and broaden the scope of evidence at trial.

RICO is frequently used to magnify wire and mail fraud allegations far beyond their original scope. Challenging the enterprise theory, the alleged pattern, and the use of routine communications as predicate acts is critical to limiting exposure.

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